Crisis Response Program for Small Businesses Launched by Thrive Economic Development

Posted on: April 2, 2020

Crisis Response Program Launched in Jefferson and Dodge Counties
Back to Business will provide tailored assistance to employers in the region impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 global pandemic brings unprecedented challenges for small businesses in our region and throughout the US. Thrive Economic Development (ThriveED) and the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Whitewater are ready to address the challenges our businesses are facing.

Today, the two entities are announcing the Back to Business program for businesses with fewer than 500 employees, located in Jefferson and/or Dodge County.

Back to Business is a community business crisis response program that will assist small businesses affected by COVID-19, by delivering help and hope designed to ensure that our businesses survive, recover and are ready to grow post-pandemic.

“We know this is an incredibly challenging time for businesses in the Jefferson and Dodge county region,” noted ThriveED President Vicki Pratt, CEcD. “This program is about being responsive to our employers and helping them to understand and access available resources.”

To date, three federal packages have been signed into law. More could come. Programs include:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Paycheck Protection Program
Small Business Debt Relief Program
Emergency Economic Injury Grant
Navigating these programs and resources can be a daunting task for a business. That’s where Back to Business can help.

“Whether it’s helping a business determine its eligibility for new loan and grant programs created by federal, state or local legislation, or helping them understand forbearance options that might be available to them from lenders, landlords and suppliers, our goal is to provide personalized guidance,” noted Kevin Kaufman, Director of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Whitewater.

The program will utilize the Wisconsin SBDC’s existing model of providing no-cost, confidential consulting to businesses by tapping into its network of consultants with a wide range of specialties, including legal, accounting and risk management.

“Our region will bounce back from this, stronger than ever,” Pratt added. “We’re ready to help support and assist employers so they can get back to business.”

Back to Business is available starting today, April 1st, and will remain available through the end of July of 2020. Services are offered virtually and are provided free of charge. More information, as well as the intake form to request services, can be found on the ThriveED website, which can be viewed here.